President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat for appointment as Kenya's Data Commissioner. The nomination was announced by Government Spokesperson Charles Owino on November 9. Chelagat's nomination was based on a recommendation by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Her appointment is subject to consideration by the National Assembly in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Chelagat was among 13 candidates shortlisted by the PSC for interviews for the position in October. The recruitment exercise attracted 152 applications. She is expected to succeed Immaculate Kassait, Kenya's inaugural Data Commissioner, whose tenure recently ended after she was appointed in 2020. Kassait oversaw the establishment and development of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC).
The incoming commissioner will oversee the implementation and enforcement of the Data Protection Act. This includes investigating complaints relating to violations of data protection rights and supervising how public and private entities handle personal information. The position carries a single, non-renewable six-year term. Chelagat will play a crucial role in safeguarding personal information and enforcing the country's data protection laws.
In a separate announcement, the Government Spokesperson confirmed that five state corporations have appointed new chief executives following competitive recruitment processes. Waweru Karanja has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Privatization Authority. Wakhungu Patrick Murunga will head the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa (RCGW).
Peninah Wangare Wahome has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK). She previously served in an acting capacity at ADAK. John Washington Agutu has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Housing Corporation (NHC). Agutu previously served as the corporation's General Manager in charge of Estates.
Dr Janerose Omondi has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST). Omondi previously served as Acting Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Privatization Commission. She has worked as the commission's transactions manager for more than seven years, participating in the structuring of privatisation deals.
The five appointments comprise three substantive chief executive positions and two acting appointments. These appointments were made following competitive recruitment processes. The Government Spokesperson confirmed the appointments, which are expected to enhance the operations of the respective state corporations.
Key points
- President Ruto's nomination of Lydia Chelagat as Data Commissioner is subject to consideration by the National Assembly.
- The Data Commissioner position carries a single, non-renewable six-year term.
- Five state corporations have appointed new chief executives following competitive recruitment processes.
